Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
Dr. Khalid Al-Shafi
Editor-in-Chief
History tells us that Qatar has been subject to many conspiracies and harassment from its political and geographical surroundings since early 19th century.
History also tells that Qatar has come out of these experiences much stronger and aware of its political situation, foreign relations and its cooperation with the international community.
Today, 1,000 days have passed since the imposition of unjust siege, from which we have learnt political, economical, diplomatic and historical useful lessons and we are prepared for the future on the basis of facts, realities and ambitions.
When the blockading countries launched their unfair campaign against Qatar, their aim was to besiege it politically and prevent it from playing its active and effective role in supporting global stability and supporting people affected by conflicts and wars, and fighting international terrorism and extremism through a strategic vision centred on human development and expansion of educational base.
Qatar has worked to expand its economic and investment cooperation in a well-studied and planned manner. This prompted the blockading countries, which tried through their unfair policies, to stop this economic and investment successes. Diplomatically, Qatar succeeded in settling many conflicts as a trustful mediator dealing with complex global issues. Ending this diplomatic successful performance was one of their goals.
Through its open foreign policy, Qatar also managed to sign many political and economic agreements. While, during the same time these countries kept on suffering from their short-sighted foreign policies which dragged them to wars, conflicts and disputes, for which they are still paying heavy price.
After 1,000 days of the siege, we see the actual realities, and questions arise that what blockading countries wanted and what Qatar has achieved?
Blockading countries wanted to isolate Qatar but it became more open and its foreign relations have expanded. They tried to paralyse its political and diplomatic capabilities, while on the contrary Qatar has gained more acceptance and has become more influential. They expected Qatar to suffer from economic crises, but it emerged as one of the fastest growing countries, frequently securing top ranks in several global indexes. They hoped that Qatar would fail to host the World Cup 2022, but it managed to complete construction of stadiums two years ahead of schedule, and when they wanted to suffocate it by stopping food and consumer items, on the contrary, Qatari markets achieved self-sufficiency in many products. It is a unique story of transforming challenges into achievements.
This article cannot count all Qatari achievements, but we can mention here the courageous call that was led by Qatar for United Nations reform and empowering it to support its humanitarian and political commitments to achieve world peace. Qatar’s is proud of its standing beside people affected by wars and natural disasters including earthquakes and floods, whereas, the blockading countries remained trapped in their conflicts and futile wars.
Qatar’s diplomacy has achieved a lot for humankind in the areas of settling political disputes, not only by hosting dialogues and sponsoring direct negotiations between disputing parties, but by ensuring a decent life for the people affected by these conflicts without seeking benefits for itself out of these deeds. This earned political clout for Qatar, and the United Nations has praised this humanitarian role.
Qatar contributed to laying the foundations and principles that promote global peace and combating extremism by spreading education among the people of the world through the initiative of Educate a Child, which has provided education to more than 10 million children around the world, in addition to providing many job opportunities for young people in developing countries.
Qatari charities have also launched humanitarian campaigns to provide food, medicines, education and relief assistance to millions of refugees. The siege countries wanted to weaken the Qatari economy and halt its growth and prevent it from continuing to achieve prosperity and excellence in global economic indicators, but instead the Qatari economy, with the determination of its people and sound planning, achieved continuous growth and overcame the global challenges.
The Qatari sovereign fund also accomplished many successful economic and investment deals, and Qatar has foiled the attempt of the blockading countries to damage the value of Qatari Riyal, by maintaining its value.
The blockading countries expected that Qatar would face a shortage of foodstuff and basic needs, and this will put it under social and economic pressures, but they did not realise that the Qatari infrastructure of ports, airports and maritime transport solved logistical problems in a short time.
Since Qatar’s policy is based on perfect plans, it managed to provide with alternative local products, taking advantage of national and popular commitment, loyalty to the country and its wise leadership. This led to the collapse of the evil intentions of siege countries and victory of the Qatari will, which seeks to enhance identity and protect sovereignty.
It is a march of 1,000 days of siege in its political sense, but it is also 1000 days of efforts and dedication to homeland and loyalty to leadership and steadfastness in the footsteps of the Founder to presenting a unique national model.
